Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
  • H04M1/66—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers with means for preventing unauthorised or fraudulent calling
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
  • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
  • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
  • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
  • H04M1/72463—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions to restrict the functionality of the device
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/30—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
  • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
  • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
  • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
  • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
  • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
  • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
  • H04M1/72454—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
  • H04W4/025—Services making use of location information using location based information parameters
  • H04W4/027—Services making use of location information using location based information parameters using movement velocity, acceleration information

Definitions

• This invention relates to a system which automatically disables or switches off a cellphone when first or second conditions are respectively present and automatically enables the cellphone when said conditions no longer exist.
• the first condition is an attempt to operate a cellphone by the driver of a vehicle when its ignition is on or it is moving above a certain speed.
• the second condition is when a person occupying a seat in various locations such as in an aircraft or auditorium endeavors to use the cellphone.
• Hands free cellphones are known in the art in order to obviate to some extent the danger of possible accidents while driving.
• Even the use of such hands free cellphones does not ensure complete safety since the driver still has to operate the OK and CALL END switches of the cellphone upon receiving the call and completion of the conversation respectively, and concentration on conversation can distract the driver's attention, and is known to significantly impair the reaction time of a driver.
• the use of hands free cellphones also is not allowed in several cases. Even if the use of hands free cellphones was permitted, the proposed system would serve a vital function by blocking the use of a cellphone in the normal mode by vehicle drivers without employing the hands free kit.
• the second condition refers to the situation when a cellphone in the on state is carried on the person of an individual occupying a seat in locations such as conference rooms, seminar halls, theaters, or aircraft where cellphone use is to be prohibited.
• An object of this invention is to propose a system for regulating cellphone use in accordance with stipulated regulatory conditions, these being the disabling of a cellphone in a vehicle, and switching it off in an aircraft or auditorium etc. hereafter designated as the first and second conditions respectively.
• Another object of this invention is to propose a system which automatically disables a cellphone when said first conditions is present and automatically enables the cellphone when said first condition no longer exists, and automatically switches off the cellphone in the presence of the second condition.
• Another object of this invention is to propose a system capable of distinguishing between the first and second conditions and initiating the execution of appropriate regulatory processes stipulated in such locations, and incorporating control and switching circuits for regulating cellphone use, which are simple in construction.
• a still further object of this invention is to propose a system for disabling a cellphone in the presence of said first condition, and enabling the cellphone upon removal of said conditions, said system having control circuits, which cannot be tampered or bypassed by a cellphone user.
• Another object of this invention is to propose system for allowing a user the facility for automatic sequential dialing of a specified set of numbers like the police, medical services etc. during an emergency by overriding any other stipulated regulation on cellphone use.
• Another object of this invention is to propose a system that would present no health hazard to the cellphone users, while enhancing road and air travel safety as well as minimizing public inconvenience in its area of use.
• a system for disabling a cellphone in the presence of a first condition and enabling said cellphone upon removal of said condition, and switching off a cellphone in the presence of a second condition comprising: - i) a signal generating circuit for generating signals characterizing the presence of a first or a second condition; ii) a signal detection and processing circuit provided within said cellphone for receiving and processing a signal from said generating circuit, and identifying the presence or absence of a particular condition; hi) an OK switch disabling circuit connected to said signal detection and processing circuit, said OK switch disabling circuit connected to the OK switch of the cellphone and disabling it in the presence of a signal corresponding to the first condition at the input to the signal detection and processing circuit; iv) a link and control circuit connected to said OK switch disablmg circuit; v) a call end circuit connected to said link and control circuit and also connected to the call end switch of the cellphone, and adapted to perform its function in the presence of a signal corresponding to the first condition at the
• said link and control circuit also connected to the signal detection and processing circuit and adapted to initiate the function of the call end circuit in the presence of said first condition, vii) A circuit to perform the switching off function of .the cellphone and for disabling its on function in the presence of a signal corresponding to the said second condition at the input to the signal detection and processing circuit, viii) An emergency switch for enabling the cellphone by overriding any stipulated regulatory restriction on cellphone use.
• the first condition relates to an attempt to use a cellphone by the driver of a vehicle having its ignition on and/or moving above a certain speed; while the second condition refers to a cellphone in the on state being carried on the person of an individual occupying a seat in aircraft or auditoria etc.
• Fig.l shows the block diagram of the basic circuit of the present invention.
• Fig. 2 shows the block diagram of the Signal Generating and Detecting Circuit provided in the circuit of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3 shows in detail the circuit of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 4 shows a control circuit for the power supply to the signal generator of Figs. 1 to 3.
• Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the basic circuit of Fig.l in conjunction with certain additional circuits for a switching off operation for the second condition.
• Figs. 6(a) and 6(b) show different embodiments of Control Circuits for the Signal Generator.
• Fig. 7 shows details of a circuit for regulating a cellphone in accordance with all stipulated regulatory conditions of the present invention.
• Fig. 8 shows the block diagram of a practical realization of the present invention.
• the block diagram depicts a Signal Generating Unit I comprising a Signal
• the Signal Generating Circuit Ig that may be positioned either below the driver's seat or inside the dashboard of the vehicle.
• the Signal Generating Circuit Ig is linked to a conducting foil Fl, enclosed inside the seat of the driver, and forming one part of a first capacitive coupling CC1 in a manner shown in Fig.2.
• Another conducting foil F2 provided in the cellphone constitutes a part of the second capacitive coupling CC2, and links circuit Ig to a signal detection and processing circuit -H through the terminal Tl.
• the Signal Generating Circuit Ig is adapted to be connected to the power source through the Control Circuits of Figs. 4 or 6a, and would remain in the switched on condition as long as the ignition of the vehicle remains on and/or it is moving above a certain speed, and thus would signal the presence of the first condition.
• the Signal Generator Circuit Ig is connected to the Signal Processing Circuit ⁇ located inside the cellphone through the first capacitive coupling CC1 which is completed whenever the driver's seat is occupied, and a second capacitive coupling CC2 which is completed whenever the cellphone is held by a person occupying the driver's seat.
• a disabling signal corresponding to the first condition is fed to Signal Detection and Processing Circuit II and an appropriate command signal is communicated to an OK Switch Disabling Circuit -HI.
• the Link and Control Circuit IN is connected to circuits in ⁇ , HI, and N, and depending upon the status of signals controls the operation of a Call End Circuit N as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.
• the Signal Generating Unit I In a vehicle, the Signal Generating Unit I generates the characterizing signal for detecting the condition of the presence or absence of a person occupying the driver's seat, the on or off status of the ignition switch of the vehicle, and/or its state of motion for identifying the first condition. It will be apparent that when the driver is present in the seat of a vehicle and its ignition is on and/or if it is moving above a certain speed, a signal is generated to disable a cellphone CL, which is the first condition, and whereby the driver cannot utilize the cellphone during the aforesaid first condition. However, for any passenger of the vehicle not occupying the driver's seat, the cellphone would remain in an enabled condition.
• a conducting foil F2 provided inside the cellphone is connected to the cellphone antenna A ⁇ T through a resistor R15.
• One end of resistor R15 is connected to the ground of the cellphone CL while the other end is connected through input terminal Tl to the inverting input of an operational amplifier OP-AMP-2 such as IC2 through a diode Dl and a resistance R2 of the Signal Detecting and Processing Circuit ⁇ .
• Another input to OP-AMP-2 comes from the output of a further operational amplifier OP- AMP- 1 such as IC1 through a resistance R7.
• the input to OP- AMP- 1 is from a potential divider R3 and R4 connected to the positive terminal of the cellphone supply battery.
• the output of OP-AMP-2 is fed to a switching circuit, which by way of example may be a npn transistor TRl.
• a switching circuit which by way of example may be a npn transistor TRl.
• the output of OP-AMP-2 is fed to the base of a transistor TRl of the OK switch disabling circuit III connected between the ungrounded side of an OK switch SI of the cellphone and the system supply to this end. This is achieved by removing the connection between the OK switch SI and the system supply point in the cellphone, and inserting the transistor TRl in series with switch SI.
• the other end of the OK switch SI is disconnected from the ground, and connected to the negative input of operational amplifier OP-AMP-4 of call end circuit V.
• Transistor TR2 of control circuit IN may be a pnp transistor and has its collector connected to the negative supply through resistance R13 and its emitter connected to the emitter of transistor TRl as shown.
• the base of transistor TR2 is also connected to the output of OP-AMP-2 through resistor R12 as shown. Depending on the polarity of the output of OP-AMP-2, either TRl or TR2 would conduct. When the output of OP-AMP-2 becomes negative, transistor TR2 will conduct. If the OK switch is pressed in this condition, the output of OP-AMP-4 would become a positive pulse.
• the output of OP-AMP-4 is connected to the base of transistor TR3 through biasing resistor R16.
• TR-3 The collector of TR-3 is connected to the ungrounded terminal of the Call End switch S2, and its emitter is connected to the ground.
• the positive pulse to the base of TR3 would switch it on, thus automatically performing the call end operation, and would thus prevent the driver from receiving or making a call.
• the output of OP-AMP-2 and the input to the base of TRl would again become positive, and the OK switch SI would become functional, thus restoring the normal operation of the cellphone.
• OP-AMP-2 If a passenger other than the driver puts the OK switch on, and hands over the cellphone to the driver, the output of OP-AMP-2 would become negative, driving the base of TR-2 negative. This would cause capacitor C3 to discharge through diode D2 and resistor R17 to the negative input terminal of OP-AMP-4. As a consequence, a positive pulse would appear at the output of OP-AMP-4, and perform the call end function. Thus the driver would not be able to bypass the system under any condition.
• the output of OP-AMP-2 is also connected to the input of OP-AMP-3 as shown in Fig. 3, for generating a control signal for keeping the signal generator in an off state and the cellphone in a disabled state if the cellphone is connected to the oscillator socket by a 3 core cable.
• One core connects the ground of the cellphone to that of the signal generator, while a core connected to the battery terminal could serve a dual purpose of charging the cellphone battery as well as providing an auxiliary input to OP-AMP-2 (through the resistor Rl) for disabling the OK switch SI of the cellphone, while the oscillator OS remains switched off by means of a control signal obtained from the output of OP-AMP-3 and transmitted to a control switch for putting off the oscillator via the third core of the cable as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. If this chord is disconnected, the oscillator would be automatically switched on, and the OK switch would remain disabled for the driver as long as the ignition of the vehicle is on and/or it is moving above a certain speed.
• FIG. 5 shows a modified block diagram of basic circuit of Fig. 1 through a modification of the signal detection and processing circuit H, and the incorporation of an additional functional circuit of block VI, and additional Control and Switching Circuits VII and V ⁇ i in the Signal Generating Unit I.
• the first Control and Switching Circuit VII connects the Signal Generator Circuit Ig to the power source, and the Second Control and Switching Circuit VHI provides for disabling the signal generator on receiving a command through terminal C from the cellphone, and enabling/disabling of any other auxiliary equipment and/or initiating an alarm signal indicating any tempering with the system.
• circuit VI may also be present along with other additional circuits.
• the control and switching circuit VH of Fig. 6(a) shows the modified version of the circuit of Fig. 4 for connecting the signal generator to the power source of a vehicle.
• a potential divider PI is connected to the vehicle battery output through a pressure actuated switch S6.
• the oscillator unit OS receives its power from potential divider PI through a transistor Q8, but all other ICs in the circuit receive their power supply from the potential divider PI directly as shown in phantom lines.
• circuit VII ensures that the oscillator OS would receive its power input, and a signal characterizing the first condition would be communicated to a cellphone held by the driver of a vehicle in this state.
• Fig. 6(a) also incorporates circuit to for ensuring that the proposed system for cellphone blocking in a vehicle cannot be bypassed.
• the normally closed contacts NC of relay RL1 can be inserted in the electrical path between the ignition switch output IGN and the engine ENG.
• the relay coil RLIC of the relay is connected between the ignition switch output IGN and the ground through a transistor Q9 and a resistor R44 connected in series.
• Fig. 6(a) also incorporates features for discouraging any attempt to tamper with the system.
• the positive input of an operational amplifier OP AMP 8 connected as a voltage follower, is connected to the seat foil through a diode D19 and a resistor R40 connected in series.
• a control input obtained from the cellphone may feed the positive input of amplifier OP AMP 9 connected as a voltage follower.
• the outputs of OP AMP 8 and OP AMP 9 form the two inputs to the logic gate NOR3.
• the output of NOR3 is connected to the base of transistor Q9 through a series combination of a resistor R43 and a diode D20.
• the output of amplifier OP AMP 9 is also connected to the ON/OFF control port COP of the oscillator OS.
• relay coil RLIC would not be energized, and the engine would continue to receive its normal ignition input. This situation would remain unchanged if a command were received from a cellphone connected to the control input terminal C.
• the output of OP AMP 9 would disable the oscillator, and would maintain the output of NOR3 low ensuring normal operation of the vehicle. Any attempt to disconnect the seat foil from the oscillator output or the input to OP AMPS 8 and 9 would drive the output of NOR3 high and energize the relay coil and thus, cut off the power supply to the engine of the vehicle, and would switch on an alarm connected to the normally open contacts NO of relay RL1.
• Fig. 6(b) illustrates the connection of a single central oscillator to the individual conducting foil Fl inside each seat in an aircraft or a theater etc.
• the oscillator is connected to the seat foil Fl through the normally open contacts of a pressure-controlled switch S7. When the seat is occupied, the contacts of the pressure-controlled switch S7 are closed and the oscillator is connected to the seat foil Fl.
• the oscillator OS is connected to the power source through a central switch S8.
• the circuit diagram of Fig. 7 illustrates one circuit that can be incorporated in a cellphone for realizing all regulatory functions represented by blocks Is to VI in Fig. 5, and corresponding parts of the circuit have also been marked Is to VI.
• the circuits in blocks Is, and II to V have functions identical to those of the blocks bearing corresponding numbers in Figs. 3 and 5.
• the circuit of block II has been modified for distinguishing between the first and second conditions for regulating cellphone use, and initiates either the cellphone disabling function through operation of blocks III to V, or initiates the switching off function through the circuits of block VI depending upon the polarity of the signal received from the signal generator.
• the circuits also incorporate minor modifications for ensuring more uniform signal levels for improved reliability of operation.
• the biasing input to OP-AMP-2 provided by the output of OP-AMP- 1 in Fig. 3 has been replaced by the switching signal levels of logic gate NOR-1 and OP-AMP-5 in Fig. 7, while the logic gate OR-2 enables the facility for overriding any regulatory restriction during an emergency.
• the circuit of block III also has been modified to accommodate multiple system connections to the OK switch of a particular cellphone, and the diodes prevent false switching due to stray signals.
• the circuits in blocks IV and V also can be seen to be similarly modified versions of the corresponding blocks of Fig. 3.
• the circuit of block VH can be seen to be a combination of the circuits of blocks IB to V, but configured to switch off the cellphone in accordance with the regulatory requirement.
• the OK switch SI of circuit HI would remain in an enabled condition, and the CPU of the cellphone would remain energized through the switching transistor Q6 of circuit VI. Also, under these conditions, signal levels at the output of operational amplifier OP- AMP-5 and gate NOT-1 of circuit H, and operational amplifier OP-AMP-7 of circuit VI would remain unchanged, and therefore OP-AMP-4 of circuit V and OP-AMP-8 of circuit VI would not receive any pulse inputs, and the outputs of gates OR3 of circuit V and OR5 of circuit VI would remain low resulting in blocking transistors Q3 of circuit V and Q7 of circuit VI. Hence, the OK, CALL END, and ON/OFF switches of the cellphone would continue to operate in a normal fashion and the cellphone can be used without any restriction.
• the signal received at the terminal ANT would be negative, and would be blocked by diode Dl of circuit ⁇ , but would be transmitted to the negative input of operational amplifier OP-AMP-6 of circuit II through diode D12 and resistor R30, driving its output high, and the outputs of gates NOT2 and OR4 of circuit H, and operational amplifier OP- AMP-7 of circuit VI low.
• This would drive a negative pulse current due to the discharge of capacitor C7 (already charged through diode D14 and resistor R35 of circuit VI) to flow through diode D15 and resistor R36 to the negative input of operational amplifier OP-AMP-8 of circuit VI.
• a secure switch S4 of circuit II can be switched on, feeding inputs to gates OR2 and OR4 driving their outputs high, thus ensuring normal operation of the cellphone irrespective of any other condition.
• circuit shown in Fig. 7 describes a particular circuit for executing the various functions envisaged for the proposed device to regulate cellphone use, it would be apparent that any other circuit comprising a combination of analog, and logic circuit elements along with micro-controllers may be employed to achieve these functions as illustrated through the evolution of the circuits from Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, and from Fig. 3 to Fig. 7, as well as that of the block diagram of Fig. 5 to the block diagram of Fig. 8.
• the block diagram of Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a practical version of a Signal Generating Unit comprising the signal generator Ig and its associated control and switching circuits VB, and NHL
• the micro-controller IX is programmed to generate distinct binary signals characterizing the stipulated regulatory regime corresponding to the first or the second condition.
• the block diagram of Fig. 8 also illustrates an embodiment of a practical version of a circuit to be incorporated in a cellphone and comprises the Signal Detection Circuit Is and a Signal Processing Circuit H similar to the circuit H of Fig. 7.
• the micro-controller X would detect the nature of the binary signature, and initiate an appropriate regulatory process through its output terminals, said micro-controller X being present in a normal cellphone, or additionally the output of circuit H would be connected to the micro-controller X through an additional micro-processor (not shown).
• the frequency and power level of the signal used in the proposed system is in a band that is known to cause no health hazard to human beings. However, if the driver of a vehicle desires
• chord will communicate a signal from the output of gate NOR2 of circuit E to the terminal C on the console of Signal Generating Unit, and would keep its oscillator Ig in an off state through its control port COP as long as this chord remains connected. If this connection is broken, the oscillator would be automatically switched on, and the OK switch would remain disabled for the driver as long as the ignition of the vehicle remains on.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
• Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
• Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

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• 2002
  • 2002-09-23 DE DE60228989T patent/DE60228989D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2002-09-23 US US10/490,833 patent/US7181229B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2002-09-23 AT AT02799454T patent/ATE408971T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2002-09-23 EP EP02799454A patent/EP1446975B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2002-09-23 AU AU2002334382A patent/AU2002334382A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2002-09-23 WO PCT/IN2002/000191 patent/WO2003028342A2/en active IP Right Grant

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